The TE is tappered so for the TE to be staright the ends must be slightly higher than the center. You support the TE because the compled horizontal assembly is curved and not flat. supporting the TE makes sure the ribs in the Horizontal stab line up correctly. I'm still working on my TF 182 and whole heartly recommend the Robart nose wheel assembly. I have modified mibne to use 4 each forward facing 4 oz. fuel tanks instead of the sideways sitting 12 oz tank. I was worried the engine might starve out in an extended turn. For power I'm using a .75 Super Tigre with the discontinued TOPQ7925 header and TOPQ7916 Muffler. Hard to find but with it to me. If you look around you can occasionally find the discontinued TOPQ5405 Cessna Spinner (Red) or the Great Planes LearJet spinner (White). I have both but haven't decided on the one I will use. Here is an example of the color scheme I am planning. 2 of my 4 sons are former CAP cadets.